How to Insert a PDF Into a Word Document

The simplest way to add a PDF to Word

You can insert a PDF into a Word document in three ways: as an image that displays the PDF's first page, as a linked file that opens in a separate window, or as an embedded object. The method you choose depends on whether you want readers to see the PDF content directly in the document or click to open it separately.

The fastest route for most people is inserting the PDF as an image. This works on Windows, Mac, and in Word Online. The PDF's first page appears as a picture in your document, and readers see it without leaving the file. If you need the full PDF to be clickable and openable, you'll use the link method instead. Embedding works on desktop Word only and lets you store the entire PDF inside the document file itself.

Key Takeaways

Inserting a PDF as an image shows the first page as a picture in your document and works on all versions of Word, including the online version.
Linking to a PDF keeps the file separate and lets readers click to open it, which is useful when the PDF is large or needs to stay in its own folder.
Embedding a PDF stores the entire file inside your Word document, making the document larger but keeping everything in one place.
On Windows, you can insert multiple pages of a PDF as separate images, but on Mac and in Word Online, only the first page converts to an image.
After inserting a PDF, you can resize, move, or delete it like any other object in Word.

Inserting a PDF as an image on Windows

Open your Word document and click where you want the PDF to appear. Go to the Insert tab at the top, then click Pictures and choose From This Device. Navigate to your PDF file, select it, and click Insert. Word converts the first page to an image and places it in your document.

If your PDF has multiple pages and you want all of them in Word, Windows users can insert each page separately. After inserting the first page, repeat the process for the next page. Each page becomes its own image, so you can resize and position them independently. This approach takes longer but gives you the full PDF content visible in the document.

Once the PDF is inserted as an image, you can click and drag the corners to resize it, or right-click to crop, rotate, or adjust the brightness. If you need to remove it, click the image and press Delete.

Inserting a PDF as an image on Mac and in Word Online

Mac users and anyone working in Word Online follow the same steps as Windows, but with one limitation: only the first page of the PDF converts to an image. Click Insert, then Pictures, then From This Device (or From This PC in Word Online). Find your PDF and click Insert.

If you need multiple pages visible in your document on Mac, you'll need to use a different approach. Consider inserting the PDF as a link instead, or use a separate tool to convert the PDF to image files first, then insert those images into Word. This adds an extra step but gives you more control over which pages appear.

Linking to a PDF so readers can click and open it

Linking keeps your PDF file separate from the Word document. Readers see a clickable link or button, and when they click it, the PDF opens in a new window or downloads to their computer. This method works on all versions of Word and is useful when your PDF is large, frequently updated, or needs to stay in its own folder.

To create a link, first select the text or image in your document that you want to be clickable. Go to Insert, then Link (or press Ctrl+K on Windows, Command+K on Mac). In the dialog box, click Browse and navigate to your PDF file. Click Insert or OK. Now that text or image is linked to the PDF.

When someone opens your Word document and clicks the link, the PDF opens. If you're sharing the document, make sure the PDF file is in a location the reader can access — either a shared folder, cloud storage like OneDrive, or an email attachment. If the PDF moves or gets deleted, the link will break.

Embedding a PDF so it stays inside the Word file

Embedding stores the entire PDF inside your Word document. The document file becomes larger, but everything stays together in one file. This method works only on desktop Word (Windows and Mac), not in Word Online. Readers cannot edit the embedded PDF, but they can open it by double-clicking it in the document.

To embed, go to Insert, then Object (on Mac, this is under Insert > Object in the menu bar). In the dialog box, click the Create from File tab. Click Browse, find your PDF, and click Insert. Check the box next to Display as Icon if you want the PDF to appear as a small icon rather than showing the first page. Click OK.

The embedded PDF now appears in your document. Readers can double-click it to open it in their PDF reader. The file size of your Word document will increase by the size of the PDF, so embedding works best for small PDFs. If your document needs to stay under a certain file size or be straightforward to email, linking or inserting as an image is a better choice.

Choosing the right method for your situation

Use inserting as an image when you want readers to see the PDF content directly in the document without clicking anything. This works best for short PDFs or when you only need the first page visible. The document stays a reasonable file size, and the image is straightforward to resize and position.

Use linking when the PDF is large, frequently changes, or needs to stay in a separate folder. Linking keeps your Word document file small and lets you update the PDF without editing the Word file. This method requires the reader to have access to the PDF file, either through a shared folder or cloud storage.

Use embedding when you want everything in one file and your readers don't have access to a shared folder or cloud storage. Embedding is useful for archiving or sending a complete package to someone. Be aware that the Word document file will be significantly larger, and embedded PDFs cannot be edited from within Word.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the PDF won't insert as an image, the file may be corrupted or in a format Word doesn't recognize. Try opening the PDF in your PDF reader first to confirm it works. If it does, try saving the PDF again or converting it to a different format. If the problem persists, you can use a free online tool to convert the PDF to a JPG or PNG image, then insert that image instead.

If a linked PDF isn't opening, check that the file path is correct and the PDF file hasn't moved. Right-click the link and select Edit Link to update the file location. If you're sharing the document with someone else, confirm they have access to the folder where the PDF is stored. If the PDF is on your computer but the reader is on a different computer, move the PDF to a shared cloud folder like OneDrive or Google Drive and update the link to point there.

If an embedded PDF is making your document too large, delete it and use linking or inserting as an image instead. To remove an embedded PDF, click it and press Delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert only a specific page of a PDF, not the first page?

Not directly in Word. If you need a page other than the first, use a free PDF tool to extract that page into a new PDF file, then insert that file. Alternatively, convert the PDF to images using an online converter, then insert the specific image you need.

What happens to the PDF if I move or delete the original file?

If you linked to the PDF, the link breaks and readers will see an error. If you embedded the PDF, it stays in the Word document because it's stored inside the file. If you inserted it as an image, the image stays because it's already converted to a picture.

Can I edit the PDF after inserting it into Word?

No. If you insert a PDF as an image, you can only resize or crop it like a picture. If you embed it, double-clicking opens it in your PDF reader, but changes won't save back to the Word document. To edit the PDF content, edit the original PDF file separately.

Is there a file size limit for inserting PDFs?

Word itself has no strict limit, but very large PDFs may slow down your document or cause it to crash. If your PDF is over 10 MB, linking is safer than embedding. Inserting as an image works for any size PDF because only the first page converts.

Will the PDF work the same way if I share the Word document with someone else?

It depends on the method. Embedded PDFs work the same on any computer. Linked PDFs only work if the reader has access to the file location — if the PDF is on your computer and you email the Word document, the link will break for the recipient. Inserted images work the same everywhere because they're already converted to pictures.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.